Pico de Orizaba information for climbing

What should I know if I want to climb Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl)

About Pico de Orizaba

The Citlaltépetl (Hill or Mount of the Star) or Poyautecatl better known as Pico de Orizaba is the highest volcano in Mexico, it is “High Mountain” with approximately 5,630 meters above sea level, it is conical in shape so it has important inclinations, special climate at different heights.

Note: Depending on where we take the reference, it is the height that they indicate to us, for example, the INEGI estimates it at 5,610 masl while other books or manuals position it up to 5,754 masl. This is due to the fact that previously altimeters that work with barometric pressure were used. , currently the GPS marks us more precise references.

Where is it located Citlaltepetl or Pico de Orizaba?

It is located between the states of Puebla and Veracruz (it is the natural border)

Can it be the first High Mountain to climb?

Although it is possible to go up with a professional mountain guide or instructor, it is best to first climb another high mountain before attempting the Pico de Orizaba so that you know your reaction to height and practice the use of equipment such as crampons and ice ax. I recommend you have climbed before the Nevado de Toluca, Malinche, the Iztaccihuatl and finally the Pico de Orizaba, (That is the ideal order, if not at least to the Iztaccihuatl)

Can I go alone to Pico de Orizaba?

Although some professional mountaineers or instructors sometimes go up alone, the truth is that I don’t recommend it because a simple sprained ankle (which is not uncommon) complicates everything up.

If it is one of your first occasions, you have to go with someone trained as a high mountain guide or Instructor and it must be at least one for every 3 people. (I recommend hgmexico.com they are over 40 years old and the only ones without accidents).

Who can take me?

As described in the previous article and other specialized magazines, hgmexico.com is the one who can take you and has what it takes to organize your logistics and experience in 40 years.

Pico de orizaba climbing

What temperature to expect up on the mountain?

It usually ranges from -5 to 15°C, but when there is heavy snowfall or strong winds it can drop to -20°C.

What physical condition must I have to climb the Iztaccihuatl?

Having a good physical condition helps, but even more important is your adaptation to the altitude and that does not depend on your physical condition but on other factors. There are high-performance athletes who cannot climb due to “mountain sickness” and there are people with Regular physical condition that climb without any problem.

What training do you recommend before going?

Inclined walks are recommended, for example, climbing hills or stairs, since the effort in the mountains is different from walking or running on the flat.

What equipment should I bring to climb Citlaltepetl?

What you need to take for a 2-day ascent can be summarized as:

-Boots (Not cap) preferably water repellent and semi-rigid sole with good traction sole

-Comfortable trekking or hiking pants (not denim) and thermal lycra (for the coldest).

-Dry fit shirt (like the ones used by soccer players)

-Sweatshirt or thermal jacket (fleece or Polartec)

-Parca (waterproof jacket) or windbreaker

-Gloves (preferably two pairs)

-Synthetic hat (polartec or fleece)

-Sleeping bag (sleeping bag)

-Camping mat (Under carpet)

Personal technical team:

-Crampons

-Axe

-Helmet

-Harness (depending on the route to follow

Besides

-Walks (optional)

-Medium backpack

-Front lamp (the one that goes on the head) with spare batteries

-Personal first-aid kit (with at least 10 cm gauze pads, 1 15 cm bandage and 1 10 cm bandage, latex gloves, waterproof adhesive cloth, scissors, band-aids, tongue depressors, lamp, drops for irritated eyes, ointment for bumps (such as ici hot, come, facicam gel)

-Sunscreen (remember to apply it several times a day)

-Cell phone with balance and full battery charge

– Battery to recharge the phone (power bank)

For base camp:

-Eating utensils (Not disposable dishes)

-High mountain tent (3 or 4 seasons)

-Toilet paper.

What to eat?

Food :

Unlike camping in the high mountains, it is important not to eat things that irritate the stomach, or that are heavy to carry, which is why climbers do not have barbecues on top, nor do they take the kilo of tortillas, or cans, or chili peppers, or sauces etc

The food in the high mountains is individual, everyone will carry their own food on the march, a very common mistake is that someone feels bad and has to go down and was the one who carried part of the food.

For example:

fruit or dried fruit

Sandwich (salty or sweet)

chocolates